🕯️ Occult Philosophy

Steal My Art: He Life and Times of t'Ai CHI Master T.T. Liang

✍️ Olson, Stuart Alve
Reader Score
4.5
(1 review)
$16.95
Temporarily out of stock

Currently unavailable

This book is sold out right now. Leave your email — we'll let you know if it comes back, and you'll get 10% off any book today.

In stock now — readers of this book also loved:

The Earthwise Herbal, Volume II: A Complete Guide to New World Medicinal Plants -23%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.8
1
Wood, Matthew
The Earthwise Herbal, Volume II: A Complete Guide to New World Medicinal Plants
$32.95 $43.00
92
Revisiting the Nazi Occult: Histories, Realities, Legacies - Ingram Academic Black, Monica -15%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Monica Black, Eric Kurlander
Revisiting the Nazi Occult: Histories, Realities, Legacies - Ingram Academic Black, Monica
$130.00 $153.00
86
Imbolc: Rituals, Recipes & Lore for Brigid's Day Neal, Carl F -23%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Neal, Carl F
Imbolc: Rituals, Recipes & Lore for Brigid's Day Neal, Carl F
$12.99 $17.00
86
The Heart of Love: How to Go Beyond Fantasy to Find True Relationship Fulfillment
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
4
Demartini, John F
The Heart of Love: How to Go Beyond Fantasy to Find True Relationship Fulfillment
$18.99
86
Activate Your Psychic Ability: The Power of Intuition Revealed
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
1
Fenton-Smith, Paul
Activate Your Psychic Ability: The Power of Intuition Revealed
$23.95
81
📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

Delve into the extraordinary narrative of Master T.T. Liang, a centenarian whose life story unfolds like an epic adventure. From his distinguished career as a high-ranking government official to his unexpected encounters in street fights, Liang's journey culminated in his pivotal role introducing authentic Tai Chi to America in the 1960s. This compelling biography chronicles his remarkable experiences, offering insights into his philosophy, resilience, and the profound impact he had on the global understanding of martial arts and holistic well-being.

🕯️
Occult Philosophy
🏛 North Atlantic Books 📅 2002 📖 208 pages 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781556434167
Fun Fact
This biography brilliantly captures the adventurous spirit and profound wisdom of T.T. Liang, offering a rare glimpse into a life dedicated to martial arts and cultural exchange. It excels in its vivid storytelling, though those seeking only technical Tai Chi instruction might be disappointed. As a historical account of Tai Chi's introduction to America and a testament to human resilience, "Steal My Art" stands as an essential read in the lineage of martial arts memoirs.

📝 Description: Steal My Art: He Life and Times of t'Ai CHI Master T.T. Liang

Now 101 years old, Master T. T. Liang came to the U. S. from Taiwan in the 1960s to introduce t'ai chi to America. His life story is full of the stuff that makes a great martial arts adventure: a career as a high-ranking government official, street fights ...

💎 Expert review

“
💎
Esoterica Books editorial team
Occult literature desk
While the narrative offers an engaging look into Master Liang’s remarkable life, it may not suit readers seeking rigorous academic analysis or technical martial arts instruction. The focus remains firmly on biography and personal philosophy rather than scholarly critique. Those expecting dry historical documentation might find the 'epic adventure' tone too informal. However, for those open to a spirited, accessible memoir-style exploration of Tai Chi’s arrival in America, it succeeds admirably. It is less about technical precision and more about the human spirit behind the art.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers seeking a vibrant, humanizing glimpse into the life of a martial arts pioneer will find this biography deeply rewarding. It appeals to those interested in the cultural transmission of Tai Chi and the personal resilience required to bridge Eastern and Western worlds. The narrative offers inspiration through Master Liang’s journey from government official to spiritual teacher, highlighting his impact on global understanding of holistic health. It is perfect for enthusiasts of esoteric history who appreciate stories of authenticity and cross-cultural exchange. Those longing for a warm, accessible account of how ancient wisdom survived modern tumult will discover both entertainment and profound insight in these pages.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —
⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.5/5
★★★★★
If you're captivated by true stories of resilience, cultural exchange, and the transformative power of martial arts, this book is for you. Readers seeking inspiration from a life lived fully, dedicated to an ancient tradition, will find Master Liang's journey deeply rewarding and insightful.

Reader rating

4.5
Based on 1 reviews
5
0
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
0
E
Esoterica Books editorial team

While the narrative offers an engaging look into Master Liang’s remarkable life, it may not suit readers seeking rigorous academic analysis or technical martial arts instruction. The focus remains firmly on biography and personal philosophy rather than scholarly critique. Those expecting dry historical documentation might find the 'epic adventure' tone too informal. However, for those open to a spirited, accessible memoir-style exploration of Tai Chi’s arrival in America, it succeeds admirably. It is less about technical precision and more about the human spirit behind the art.

❓ Frequently asked questions

While Tai Chi is central, this is primarily a vivid biography detailing Master Liang's adventurous life, his journey, and his profound impact, rather than a technical instruction manual for the art itself.
His unique blend of high-ranking government service, real-world martial arts encounters, and his pioneering role in bringing Tai Chi to the West makes his century-long narrative truly exceptional and inspiring.

📖 Who should read this

If you're captivated by true stories of resilience, cultural exchange, and the transformative power of martial arts, this book is for you. Readers seeking inspiration from a life lived fully, dedicated to an ancient tradition, will find Master Liang's journey deeply rewarding and insightful.

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Martial Arts Odyssey

Explore Liang's personal path through martial arts, from his rigorous training to real-world confrontations, illustrating the practical applications and philosophical underpinnings of his practice. His life demonstrates the embodiment of a true martial artist beyond mere technique.

Cultural Bridge-Building

Discover how Master Liang navigated the cultural divide, transplanting the intricate art of Tai Chi from Taiwan to the United States, thereby shaping its reception and growth in Western society. His efforts were foundational to its widespread adoption.

A Century of Wisdom

Uncover the lessons gleaned from a life spanning over a hundred years. Liang's longevity and experiences offer profound insights into discipline, adaptability, and the pursuit of mastery in both body and spirit, making his journey a testament to enduring wisdom.

📜 Historical context

Master T.T. Liang's arrival in the U.S. during the 1960s marked a significant moment in the popularization of Eastern martial arts and holistic practices in the West. He was a pioneer, introducing authentic Tai Chi forms and philosophy at a time when such traditions were just beginning to gain widespread recognition and interest outside of Asia, cementing his legacy as a foundational figure.

📚 Glossary

Tai Chi
Martial Arts
Cultural Exchange

📔 Questions to reflect on

  1. Reflect on a time you had to adapt an important skill or belief system to a completely new environment. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
  2. Considering Master Liang's long life, what aspects of discipline or daily practice do you believe contribute most significantly to personal longevity and well-being?
  3. How might the philosophy of Tai Chi, focusing on balance and flow, be applied to navigating conflict or challenging situations in your own life?

✍️ More books by this author Olson, Stuart Alve

All books by this author →
T'Ai CHI According to the I Ching: Embodying the Principles of the Book of Changes (Original) -23%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Olson, Stuart Alve
T'Ai CHI According to the I Ching: Embodying the Principles of the Book of Changes (Original)
$22.95 $30.00
86
The Jade Emperor's Mind Seal Classic: The Taoist Guide to Health, Longevity, and Immortality (Revised) -15%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Olson, Stuart Alve
The Jade Emperor's Mind Seal Classic: The Taoist Guide to Health, Longevity, and Immortality (Revised)
$16.99 $20.00
86

🏛 Books from this publisher North Atlantic Books

All books from this publisher →
The Smell of Rain on Dust: Grief and Praise -27%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Prechtel, Martín
The Smell of Rain on Dust: Grief and Praise
$20.95 $29.00
86
Welcome to the Fifth Dimension: The Quintessence of Being, the Ascended Masters' Ultimate Secret -33%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Bianca Gaia, Diane LeBlanc
Welcome to the Fifth Dimension: The Quintessence of Being, the Ascended Masters' Ultimate Secret
$19.95 $30.00
78
Heart Yoga: The Sacred Marriage of Yoga and Mysticism -23%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Andrew Harvey, Karuna Erickson, Rodney Yee
Heart Yoga: The Sacred Marriage of Yoga and Mysticism
$19.95 $26.00
86
Meditations on Nature, Meditations on Silence 🔥 Bestseller
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Maciver, Roderick
Meditations on Nature, Meditations on Silence
$16.95
86
Crystals and Stones: A Complete Guide to Their Healing Properties The Group of 5 🏆 Bestseller -12%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
The Group of 5
Crystals and Stones: A Complete Guide to Their Healing Properties The Group of 5
$27.95 $32.00
78
Mind Body Zen: Waking Up to Your Life
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Jeffrey Maitland, Kendo Hal Roth
Mind Body Zen: Waking Up to Your Life
$16.95
86
New Self, New World: Recovering Our Senses in the Twenty-First Century
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Philip Shepherd, Andrew Harvey
New Self, New World: Recovering Our Senses in the Twenty-First Century
$19.95
86
Endless Path: Awakening Within the Buddhist Imagination: Jataka Tales, Zen Practice, and Daily Life -12%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Rafe Martin, Richard Wehrman
Endless Path: Awakening Within the Buddhist Imagination: Jataka Tales, Zen Practice, and Daily Life
$20.95 $24.00
86

You might also like

See more →
The Jade Emperor's Mind Seal Classic: The Taoist Guide to Health, Longevity, and Immortality (Revised) -15%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Olson, Stuart Alve
The Jade Emperor's Mind Seal Classic: The Taoist Guide to Health, Longevity, and Immortality (Revised)
$16.99 $20.00
86
The Nectar of Immortality: Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj Discourses on the Eternal -38%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
3
Maharaj, Nisargadatta
The Nectar of Immortality: Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj Discourses on the Eternal
$18.95 $31.00
92
The Ultimate Medicine: Dialogues with a Realized Master -12%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.8
1
Nisargadatta Maharaj, Robert Powell, Peter Madill
The Ultimate Medicine: Dialogues with a Realized Master
$21.95 $25.00
92
The Earthwise Herbal, Volume II: A Complete Guide to New World Medicinal Plants -23%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.8
1
Wood, Matthew
The Earthwise Herbal, Volume II: A Complete Guide to New World Medicinal Plants
$32.95 $43.00
92
Orthodox Chinese Buddhism: A Contemporary Chan Master's Answers to Common Questions -10%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Master Sheng Yen, Otto Chang, Douglas Gildow
Orthodox Chinese Buddhism: A Contemporary Chan Master's Answers to Common Questions
$16.95 $19.00
86
The Sacred Path Beyond Trauma: Reaching the Divine Through Nature's Healing Symbols -37%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Ellen Macfarland, Robert Romanyshyn
The Sacred Path Beyond Trauma: Reaching the Divine Through Nature's Healing Symbols
$16.95 $27.00
86
The Cracking Tower: A Strategy for Transcending 2012
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
DeKorne, Jim
The Cracking Tower: A Strategy for Transcending 2012
$16.95
86
Mind Body Zen: Waking Up to Your Life
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Jeffrey Maitland, Kendo Hal Roth
Mind Body Zen: Waking Up to Your Life
$16.95
86
Paper Lanterns: More Quotations from the Back Pages of the Sun
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Sy Safransky, Tim McKee, Andrew Snee
Paper Lanterns: More Quotations from the Back Pages of the Sun
$16.95
86
Visions of the Prophet
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Gibran, Kahlil
Visions of the Prophet
$16.95
86

Have a question about this item?

Ask about the edition, condition, delivery or anything else — we reply by email or phone, usually within a day.

Home Genres
Cart
Wishlist